Malaysians stranded may be brought home with permission of the countries involved

The cost of bringing home Malaysians stranded abroad will be borne by the individual if the government is authorized to bring them home.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob explained that special flights would be handled by the Ministry of Transport for the purpose.

"Wisma Putra has always been in talks with the relevant state authorities to bring back stranded Malaysians.

"If the government is given permission to bring them home, the costs will have to be borne by the individuals involved and special flights will be handled by the Ministry of Transport (MOT)," he said at a press conference here on Monday.

Therefore, Malaysians stranded overseas who wish to return home are advised to contact the nearest Malaysian Embassy.

"The Foreign Ministry is always committed to ensure their welfare is given priority. However, the business of bringing them home is still subject to the rules of the countries they are in.

"This is because there are countries that have imposed travel restrictions and cancelled all flights to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he added.

Meanwhile, those who are in the country are advised to stay in the country until the condition is restored.

"We have heard of our people including students returning by special flight. But as always, we advise them to stay in the countries involved until the situation is back to normal," he said.